LYNN — There’s a ton of creative talent in the LynnArts’ building on Exchange Street. Numerous artists rent space in the former bank/home of radio stations WFNX and WLYN. Oasis Open Art Studio & Inspirational Space offers group crafts workshops, art therapy and much more. Cultura Latina Dance Academy, a non-profit studio with a mission to enhance, share and connect its culture and community through dance, is a beehive of activity in the lower level.
Arts After Hours, which just concluded its season with a successful run of “Little Shop of Horrors,” rehearses here and stages musicals in the Neal Rantoul Black Box Theatre. And School of Rock, the acclaimed performance-based music education program, always has something happening on the second floor.
In the next few weeks, visitors will get to enjoy much of the LynnArts experience.
The fun starts Friday, Nov. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m., with an opening reception for the upcoming Resident Artists’ Exhibit, featuring the work of a diverse group that calls the building home. The exhibit officially opens Nov. 16 and continues through Dec. 14. Oasis founder Christie Connolly, a licensed mental health counselor/art therapist/karaoke DJ, and Tia Cole, social media guru/Oasis instructor, will curate the exhibit.
Connolly, a longtime Lynn resident, and Cole, a longtime supporter of arts on the North Shore, were setting up the Resident Artists’ Exhibit Wednesday afternoon. Both have contributed to the exhibit: Connolly will show three abstract paintings and Cole created a beautifully macabre floral display to accompany a bold garment by VIA, an artist in the building.
Resident artists and groups represented in the exhibit also include Leslie Fahn Rosenberg, Yetti Frenkel, Patty Klibansky, Barry Ridlon, Sheila Golden, Haley Sullivan, John Bakos, Arlene Zubris, Annette Sykes, who also hosts the popular life drawing classes at LynnArts, Cultura Latina Dance Academy, School of Rock, and Art After Hours.
Then, on Saturday, Nov. 17, all artists in the LynnArts building will open their studios to the public 10 a.m.-4 p.m. This will coincide with the Lydia Pinkham Open Studios event at the funky Western Avenue site. Invited artists who will be in the main gallery on the day of Open Studios include Martha Mary Quite Contrary, Nicole Werth, Maris Prost, Jessica Jordan, Mizlizzee Photography, Emmanuel Le Gal, Tia Cole, and Land of a Thousand Hills Coffee Co.
Connolly said the Oasis Community Mandala project started during this year’s Rock the Block party will be continued during the Open Studio. Drawing mandalas is a form of art therapy that can reduce anxiety, tension and overall stress.
LynnArts will also host its second annual Holiday Market Winter Fair Dec. 15-16, where local art, greeting cards, jewelry, sculpture, pottery and Lynn merchandise will be for sale. Proceeds benefit LynnArts.
LynnArts is at 25 Exchange St., Lynn. For more information, go to lynnmuseum.org.
